De Leon, Felipe (1912-1992), a Filipino composer, became known for his musical compositions celebrating the Philippine nation and character. His music ranged from traditional and folk-based melody to modern, experimental compositions. De Leon tried to show that music using Western instruments and techniques could still be Filipino in nature.
De Leon wrote music to mark significant events in the Philippines’ history. After the country’s liberation from the Japanese, who occupied the Philippines from 1942 to 1945, De Leon wrote two stirring symphonic works, “Cry of Balintawak Symphonic Poem” (1947) and the “Bataan Symphonic March” (1947). He also composed opera to highlight the work of the great Filipino revolutionary reformist and writer, José Rizal (see Rizal, José ). Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not, 1887) was the basis for De Leon’s 1953 opera by the same name, and Rizal’s El Filibusterismo (The Subversive, 1891) inspired a 1970 opera. Noli Me Tangere has become the most successful Filipino opera, and two of its arias, “Kay Tamis ng Buhay” (Life Is Sweet) and “Awit ni Sisa” (Song of Sisa), are now part of the international operatic repertoire. De Leon was also a popular composer of children’s songs and Christmas carols.
In addition to his musical compositions, De Leon also wrote numerous articles on music and culture to improve the Filipino public’s appreciation of music and history. He hosted a weekly radio program that featured the best of Filipino music, with his own commentary providing information about the origins, form, style, and musical significance of the pieces he featured. His best-known programs were “Moments of Philippine Melodies” (1950-1952), “Music Appreciation Hour” (1952-1954), and “Musika ng Lahi” (1965-1967).
De Leon founded a vocal ensemble, Himig ng Lahi, that toured locally and internationally from 1948 to 1984. He organized the PASAMBAP (Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas), a musical organization that worked to raise the status and quality of band musicians. He served as its president from 1953 to 1982.
Felipe Padilla De Leon was born on May 1, 1912, in Penaranda, in the province of Nueva Ecija, the Philippines. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music in 1939. De Leon died on Dec. 5, 1992. He was named a National Artist in Music by the Philippine government in 1997.
